JPH1013660A - Device and method for processing image - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the generation of non-practical layout, binding marging or staple position caused by the direction and setting direction of images when reducing the layout of plural original images and printing these images onto one piece of recording paper. SOLUTION: An image orientation detection circuit 109 detects the direction and setting direction of input images. Based on the discriminated result, a memory controller 110 reduces series of input images, stores the reduced input images into a memory 108 so as to provide layout based on the discriminated result and simultaneously reads out the images stored in the memory 108 later so as to provide that layout. The images read out of the memory 108 is sent through an output masking/UCR circuit 106 to a PWM circuit 113 and the images of which the layout is reduced into 4-in-1, for example, are printed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus and method for performing a process of combining a plurality of images into one image.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An accessory such as an automatic document feeder (ADF) or an automatic collating device can be mounted on a copying machine, and the copying operation can be made more efficient. In digital copiers, more advanced functions are realized by treating images as digital information. For example, the digital copiers GP55F and GP30F made by Canon have a function called reduced layout.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a result of copying by combining a reduced layout function with a double-sided copying function, a binding margin function and a stapling function.

In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1201, 1202, 1203, 1204,... Denote a plurality of originals, and when these are set on the ADF in the orientation shown in FIG. Is laid out as indicated by reference numeral 1206, a binding margin is added, and a copy result stapled at a desired position is obtained. The numbers "1" and "2" shown in the original and copy results
"3", "4",... Correspond to the order of the originals, that is, correspond to the pages of the originals.

[0005]

However, the above technique has the following problems. For example, when a vertically written original is set on the ADF such as 1207, 1208, 1209, 1210,... Shown in FIG.
As shown by 1, the layout is arranged as shown by reference numeral 1212 on the reverse side, and the layout becomes very unnatural for the vertically written text in which the line progresses from the right end to the left end of the paper. Further, the position of the binding margin and the position of the staple are not practical positions.

Similarly, when a vertically written original is set on the ADF to the left like 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216,..., The front side of the recording paper is indicated by reference numeral 1217 and the back side is indicated by reference numeral 1218. It is laid out as shown by. Also, 1219, 1220,
When a vertically written original is set on the ADF in the left direction as in 1221, 1222,..., The original is laid out as indicated by reference numeral 1223 on the front of the recording paper and as indicated by reference numeral 1224 on the back. Also has a problem that the layout, binding margin, and staple position are not practical.

Further, there are various other combinations depending on the orientation (up, down, left, and right) of the image of the original placed on the ADF and the combination direction (horizontal writing / vertical writing). , Binding margin and staple position in many cases.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem, and when combining a plurality of images into one image, an image processing apparatus capable of obtaining a layout based on the orientation and combination direction of the images and the image processing apparatus. The aim is to provide a method.

[0009]

The present invention has the following configuration as one means for achieving the above object.

[0010] An image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a judging means for judging the orientation and combination direction of an image represented by input image information; and a plurality of pieces of input image information based on the judgment results obtained by the judging means. After storing the image information in the storage means, a control means for collectively reading out the plurality of pieces of image information stored in the storage means is provided.

The image processing method according to the present invention further comprises a judging step of judging a direction and a set direction of the image represented by the input image information, and a plurality of input images based on the judgment results obtained in the judging step. A storage step of storing information in a storage unit; and a reading step of collectively reading out a plurality of pieces of image information stored in the storage unit based on a determination result obtained in the determination step.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, as a preferred embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a full-color copying machine of a type that forms C, M, Y, and K images on four photosensitive drums using a laser beam will be described. , Including full-color copiers that form images in CMYK order using one photosensitive drum, copiers that form color images in three CMY colors, two-color copiers, black-and-white copiers, inkjet systems, and thermal head systems It is needless to say that the present invention can also be applied to color and black-and-white copying machines.

[Outline of Apparatus] FIG. 2 is an outline view of a color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A color copying machine 250 shown in FIG. 1 includes, as optional equipment, an ADF 200 for automatically supplying a document, which is automatically extracted one by one from a plurality of documents 202, to a document table 201 of the copying machine 250; A sorter / stapler 260 for collating and stapling the recording paper discharged from the main body 250 is provided. Note that the ADF 200 has a document table 20
Can be set sequentially to 1. Further, since the specific configurations of the ADF 200 and the sorter / stapler 260 are known, detailed description thereof is omitted.

A document supplied from a plurality of documents 202 placed on the ADF 200 to a document table 201 is illuminated by light from an illumination lamp 203. The light reflected from the original is guided to mirrors 204, 205, and 206, reaches the CCD 208 via the optical system 207, and forms an image on the CCD 208. The mirror unit 210 including the mirror 204 and the illumination lamp 203 is mechanically moved at a speed V by the motor 209 in a direction (sub-scanning direction) orthogonal to the arrangement of the elements of the CCD 208. The mirror unit 211 including the mirrors 205 and 206 is moved at a speed V / 2 by the motor 209 in the sub-scanning direction, and the entire surface of the document is scanned.

The image processing circuit 212 will be described later in detail,
The read image information is processed electrically, temporarily stored in an image memory, and then output as a print signal. The print signal output from the image processing circuit 212 is sent to a laser driver (not shown) to drive four semiconductor laser elements (not shown). The four laser beams output from the four semiconductor laser elements are respectively reflected by the polygon mirror 213, and one of the laser beams is mirrored by mirrors 214, 215,
Scanning is performed on the photosensitive drum 217 via 216. Similarly, the second laser beam scans the photosensitive drum 221 via mirrors 218, 219, 220, the third laser beam scans the photosensitive drum 225 via mirrors 222, 223, 224, and the fourth laser beam scans the mirror 2
Scanning is performed on the photosensitive drum 229 via 26, 227 and 228.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 217 is developed with yellow (Y) toner supplied from the developing device 230 to become a toner image. Similarly, the photosensitive drum 221
The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 225 is formed by the magenta (M) toner supplied from the developing device 231 and the cyan (C) The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 229 by the toner is developed by the black (K) toner supplied from the developing device 233 to form a toner image.

On the other hand, the recording paper supplied from any one of the recording paper cassettes 234 and 235 and the manual feed tray 236 to the image forming section is attracted to the transfer belt 238 via the registration roller 237 and is conveyed at a speed V. A toner image of each color is formed on the photosensitive drums 217, 221, 225, and 229 in synchronization with the supply and conveyance timing of the recording paper, and the toner image is transferred to the recording paper being conveyed. The recording paper onto which the toner images of each color have been transferred is separated from the transfer belt 238, and is conveyed to the fixing device 240 by the conveyance belt 239. After the toner image is fixed on the recording paper by the fixing device 240, the recording paper is discharged to the sorter / stapler 260 in the case of one-sided copying, and is sent to the two-sided path 242 in the case of two-sided copying.

In the case of double-sided copying, the recording paper sent to the double-sided path 242 is reversed by the reverse path 243, and is held on the double-sided tray 245 via the transport path 244. The recording paper held on the double-sided tray 245 is again supplied to the image forming unit, and after an image is formed on the back surface of the recording paper by the same procedure as described above,
Discharged to sorter / stapler 260.

[Flow of Image Signal] FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG.

The RGB image signal output by the CCD 208 is
The analog signal processing circuit 112 outputs A for each of the three color components.
After the / D conversion, an input masking process is performed according to the following formula to obtain an image signal in a standard RGB color space (for example, an NTSC-RGB color space). Where the coefficient cij (i = 1,2,3 j = 1,
(2, 3) are device-specific constants in consideration of various characteristics such as the sensitivity characteristics of the CCD 208 and the spectral characteristics of the illumination lamp 203.

The luminance / density conversion circuit 104 is a RAM or ROM
This is a look-up table composed of:
Convert to CMY density signal. C1 = -K-log (R / 255) M1 = -K-log (G / 255)… (2) Y1 = -K-log (B / 255) where log base is 10, and K is a constant

An output masking / UCR circuit 106 converts the M1, C1, and Y1 signals output from the luminance / density conversion circuit 104 into Y, M, C, and K signals, which are the toner colors of the image forming apparatus, according to the following equation. I do. Where the coefficient aij in equation (3) (i = 1,2,3,4 j = 1,2,3,4)
Is a constant unique to the apparatus in consideration of various color characteristics of the toner. K1 = min (C1, M1, Y1)… (4)

The character / line drawing detection circuit 105 determines whether each pixel in the original image is a part of a character or a line drawing based on the RGB signal input from the analog signal processing circuit 112, and determines the result. Output as the judgment signal TEXT. compression/
The expansion circuit 107 compresses the RGB image signal and the determination signal TEXT to reduce the amount of information, and then outputs the compressed data to the memory 108 and expands the compressed data read from the memory 108 into the RGB image signal and the determination signal TEXT. It is.

The compression / decompression algorithm used in the compression / decompression circuit is arbitrary, and is not particularly limited. For example, block coding using orthogonal transform such as the so-called JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) method, or DPCM (Differential Pulse Code Modul) using a difference value for each pixel.
ation) coding or the like can be used. Further, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which compression / expansion of image data is performed by hardware, but it may be performed by software.

The image direction detection circuit 109 detects the direction of the read image (which direction the image of the original is in the up, down, left and right directions) and the set direction (vertical) based on the RGB signal input from the analog signal processing circuit 112. Writing or horizontal writing)
Output the result.

The memory controller 110 controls the reading and writing of the memory 108. When a 2 in 1 or 4 in 1 reduced layout is set by an operation panel (not shown), the memory controller 110 Based on the result, the layout when writing the image information to the memory 108 is controlled, and the reading order when reading the image information stored in the memory 108 is controlled. That is, by controlling the initial value of the address counter and the increase / decrease of the address at the time of writing and reading, image reduction processing, writing position control, transposition control, and reading position control are performed, and 2 in 1 and 4 in 1
To obtain an appropriate reduced layout.
The 2 in 1 reduced layout process is a process of reducing two original images and recording them on one sheet of recording paper.
The one-reduction layout process is a process of reducing four document images and recording them on one sheet of recording paper.

As described above, the image information read by the CCD 208 is supplied to the analog signal processing circuit 112 and the luminance / density conversion unit 10.
After passing through 4, the data is compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 107 as required, and then written into the memory 108. Also, character / line drawing judgment circuit
A pixel constituting a character / line drawing is determined by 105, and a determination signal TEXT indicating the determination result is also written into the memory 108 after being compressed by the compression / expansion circuit 107 as necessary. Thereafter, the image information read from the memory 108 and the determination signal T
The EXT is decompressed by the compression / decompression circuit 107 if necessary, sent to the subsequent stage in synchronization with the image forming timing of the image forming unit, passed through the output masking / UCR circuit 106, and output to the PWM circuit 113.
To the laser driver.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the write and read timings of the memory 108, and shows an example of a 4 in 1 reduced layout.

At the timing indicated by reference numeral 1101, image information of four pages read by the CCD 208 is stored in a memory controller.
While being laid out by 110, they are sequentially written to the memory 108. The image information written in the memory 108 has a code 1
It is read out at the timing indicated by 102 to 1105. Code 1102
The relationship between the timings indicated by 1105 is as shown in FIG.
It has a time interval of d / V. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, d is the distance between the four photosensitive drums arranged at equal intervals, and V is the speed of the recording paper conveyed by the conveyance belt 238.

[Image Direction Detection Circuit] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the image direction detection circuit 109.

The RGB signal indicating the image information of the original is converted to a single color (ND) by a thinning circuit 601, pixels are thinned out, binarized, and the amount of information is sufficiently reduced. Is held. The CPU 603 is, for example, a one-chip CPU
According to the image orientation determination program stored in the internal ROM or the like, the image information held in the memory 602 is accessed using the internal RAM as a work memory, and the orientation of the image and the set direction (vertical writing / horizontal writing) are determined. I do. And CP
U603 outputs a determination result of a total of 3 bits of the 2-bit code indicating the image direction and the 1-bit code indicating the grouping direction. Further, the built-in RAM of the CPU 603 can be used for the memory 602.

For a specific method of determining the orientation and the set direction of the image, for example, a known OCR technique may be used, and a detailed description thereof is omitted. The following processing is performed in consideration of the possibility of erroneous detection.

That is, the direction of the image is detected for each of the plurality of originals supplied by the ADF 200, and the direction of the series of images is determined by, for example, majority decision from the detection result of each of the series of originals. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, a series of original images 1301 to 1304 are read and these are read.
When a 4 in 1 reduced layout is performed and a copy output as indicated by reference numeral 1305 is obtained, the reference
Suppose that the result as shown by was obtained. However, due to the limit of the determination capability of the image direction detection circuit 109, there are cases where the determination cannot be made depending on the original image (the original image 1302 in FIG. 6).
In this case, the CPU 603 outputs a determination result representing unknown.

The judgment results shown in FIG.
4 is “upward horizontal writing”, and only the original 1302 is “unknown”. In such a case, three of the four originals have a determination result of “upward horizontal writing”, and therefore the original image 1302 is also likely to be “upward horizontal writing”. Therefore, the original image 1302 is also "upward horizontal writing" like other originals.
Then, the determination result is corrected as shown by reference numeral 1307.

Similarly, for example, in a case where three out of four original images are determined to be “upward horizontal writing” and the other determination result is “downward vertical writing”,
All four judgment results can be corrected to "upward horizontal writing".

As described above, first of all, an attempt is made to correct the judgment result by a majority decision. However, if the majority decision is impossible, the "unknown" document image is regarded as the same as the judgment result of the immediately preceding or succeeding document image. Make a majority vote again, or
For example, the determination result of the leading document image is adopted. Alternatively, when a majority decision is impossible, a warning including an error message can be generated. For these, a method desired by the user can be set by an operation panel (not shown).

[Character / Line Image Detection Circuit] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the character / line image detection circuit unit 105. The character / line image detection circuit 105 includes the RG input from the analog signal processing circuit 112.
A character and a line drawing portion are extracted from the B signal, and a determination signal TEXT that becomes “1” when the pixel constitutes a character or a line drawing portion and becomes “0” otherwise is generated.

In FIG. 7, reference numeral 1601 denotes an ND signal generator which generates an ND signal, which is a brightness signal in consideration of human luminosity characteristics, from a full-color RGB image signal by a product-sum operation shown in the following equation. Here, d1, d2, and d3 are constants in consideration of human luminosity characteristics.

Reference numeral 1602 denotes a character / line drawing determining unit which extracts a character / line drawing part from the brightness signal ND, and generates '1' when the pixel constitutes a character or line drawing part, and generates '0' otherwise. . Since this type of circuit is known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Judgment Signal TEXT] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the judgment signal TEXT. Reference numeral 1401 denotes an example of a document to be read or an image to be printed out, and 1402 denotes a two-dimensional judgment signal TEXT in the image 1401. It is an image shown in FIG. That is, the character / line drawing portion in the image 1401 is indicated by “black” in the image 1402, and the other portions are indicated by “white”. 14
03 is an image obtained by enlarging a part of the image 1402, and the pixels indicated by reference numeral 1404 indicated by reference numeral 1404 are pixels constituting a character / line drawing portion,
The TEXT signal becomes '1'. On the other hand, ○ indicated by reference numeral 1405
The pixel of the mark is a pixel constituting a part other than the character / line drawing, and its TEXT signal is “0”.

[PWM Circuit] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the PWM circuit 113. Reference numeral 1901 denotes a yellow (Y) PWM circuit, which is a yellow (Y) digital image signal and a determination signal in synchronization with the digital image signal. TEXT is input, and an analog signal to be sent to a laser driver for driving a semiconductor laser element for yellow (Y) is generated. 1902 is a PWM circuit for magenta (M), 1903 is a PWM circuit for cyan (C), and 1904 is a PWM circuit for black (K). The signal TEXT is input to generate an analog signal to be sent to a laser driver for driving a semiconductor laser device.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a PWM circuit for each color component, and has the same circuit configuration regardless of the color components.

In FIG. 10, reference numeral 2001 denotes a D / A converter.
The input digital image signal is converted into an analog image signal. Reference numeral 2002 denotes an image triangular wave generator that emphasizes gradation, and generates a triangular wave having a period of two pixels. Reference numeral 2003 denotes a triangular wave generating circuit for an image in which resolution is emphasized, and generates a triangular wave having one pixel cycle. A selector 2004 selects and outputs one of two triangular waves having different periods based on the determination signal TEXT. That is, the selector 2004 selects the number of PWM lines (resolution) based on the determination signal TEXT. A comparator 2005 compares the analog image signal output from the D / A converter 2001 with the triangular wave selected by the selector 2004.

With the above arrangement, the triangular wave of one pixel period which emphasizes the resolution is compared with the analog image signal in the character and line drawing part of the image, while the gradation is emphasized in the part other than the character and line drawing part of the image. Two pixel period triangular wave and analog image signal are compared and pulse width modulation (PWM)
The output pulse signal is output. This pulse signal is sent to a laser driver (not shown).

It should be noted that the cycle of the triangular wave emphasizing the gradation is not limited to two pixels, but may be set to a three-pixel cycle or a four-pixel cycle depending on the resolution of the image forming unit.

FIG. 11 is an example of a timing chart of the PWM circuit. The upper part of the figure shows the PWM timing when the gradation is important, and the output 1801 of the D / A converter 2001 is compared with the triangular wave 1802 in units of two pixels. Then, the pulse signal 1803 is output from the comparator 1105. On the other hand, the lower part of the figure shows the PWM timing when importance is placed on the resolution. The output 1804 of the D / A converter 2001 is compared with the triangular wave 1805 for each pixel, and the comparator 1105 outputs a pulse signal 1806.

[Print-out Example] FIG. 12 shows a print-out example according to the present embodiment, in which a 4-in-1 reduced layout is printed out on both sides of a recording sheet. According to the present embodiment, the layout, the binding margin, the staple position, and the like are controlled as shown in the figure according to the orientation and the group direction of the image detected by the image orientation detection circuit 109.

In the figure, reference numerals 301, 302, 303, 304,... Denote original images determined to be "upward horizontal writing". In this case, as shown by reference numeral 305, the upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right The images of the first to fourth pages are sequentially laid out, and similarly, the images of the fifth and subsequent pages are laid out on the back surface of the recording paper as indicated by reference numeral 306. And
A binding margin is added to the left end of the surface of the recording paper, and a desired binding margin is stapled.

Reference numerals 307, 308, 309, 310,... Are original images determined to be "vertical upward writing". In this case, as shown by reference numeral 311 on the surface of the recording paper, upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left The images of the first to fourth pages are laid out, and similarly, the images of the fifth and subsequent pages are laid out as indicated by reference numeral 312 on the back surface of the recording paper. Then, a binding margin is added to the right end of the surface of the recording paper, and a desired position of the binding margin is stapled.

Reference numerals 313, 314, 315, 316,... Are original images determined to be "vertical writing to the left". In this case, on the surface of the recording paper, as indicated by reference numeral 317, upper left, lower left, upper right, lower right The images from the first page to the fourth page are laid out, and similarly, as shown by reference numeral 318, the images on the fifth and subsequent pages are laid out (rotated 180 degrees) on the back surface of the recording paper. Then, a binding margin is added to the upper end of the surface of the recording paper, and a desired position of the binding margin is stapled.

., 319, 320, 321, 322,... Are original images determined to be “leftward horizontal writing”. In this case, as shown by reference numeral 323, the lower left, upper left, lower right, and upper right The images from the first page to the fourth page are laid out, and similarly, the image on the fifth page and thereafter is laid out (rotated by 180 degrees) on the back surface of the recording paper as indicated by reference numeral 324. Then, a binding margin is added to the lower end of the surface of the recording paper, and a desired position of the binding margin is stapled.

It is needless to say that an appropriate layout, binding margin, and staple position can be obtained even in the case of a downward or rightward original image not shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the orientation of the original image and the set direction are determined based on the read image information, and the read image of the plurality of originals is determined based on the layout according to the determination result. The information is stored in the memory, and the image information stored in the memory is replaced. Therefore, when performing 4-in-1 reduced layout processing and two-sided printing, a practical layout can be automatically set according to the orientation and combination direction of the image of the original placed on the ADF, and appropriate binding can be performed. Allowance and staple positions can be obtained.

Further, when determining the direction and the set direction of a document, if there is a document image that cannot be determined, the determination result of another document image can be used for the document image to prevent interruption of the processing.

In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the functions of the reduced layout, double-sided printing, binding margin, and staple position are controlled in accordance with the combination of the image direction and the combination direction. By setting of
Necessary ones of these can be controlled.

[0057]

[Other Embodiments] Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), an apparatus (for example, a copying machine) Machine, facsimile machine, etc.).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or an apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus.
Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the PU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM,
CD-R, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also an OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the above-described flowcharts. Each module shown will be stored in a storage medium. That is, at least the program code of each module of “determination”, “storage”, and “readout” may be stored in the storage medium.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When a plurality of images are combined into one image, an image processing apparatus and method capable of obtaining a layout based on the orientation and the group direction of the images can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a result obtained by combining a reduced layout function with a two-sided copying function, a binding margin function, and a stapling function;

FIG. 2 is an outline view of a color copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing circuit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing write and read timings of the memory shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image direction detection circuit illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a correction method for determining the orientation of the image and the set direction;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a character / line drawing detection circuit unit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a determination signal TEXT.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a PWM circuit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a PWM circuit for each color component;

FIG. 11 is a timing chart example in a PWM circuit,

FIG. 12 shows a printout example according to the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a memory map of a storage medium storing a program code according to the present invention.

Claims (17)

[Claims] A determination unit configured to determine an orientation and a group direction of an image represented by input image information; and a plurality of input image information stored in a storage unit based on a determination result obtained by the determination unit. An image processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that collectively reads a plurality of pieces of image information stored in the storage unit. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit corrects each of the determination results of the series of input image information based on a determination result of the series of input image information. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit corrects the determination result of the series of input image information by using a large number of determination results of the series of input image information. 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein the control unit stores the series of input image information in the storage unit based on a determination result of the series of input image information. Image processing device. 5. The control means reduces an image size of each of the series of input image information based on the determination result of the series of input image information, and forms a layout based on the determination result of the series of input image information. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information obtained by reducing the image size is stored in the storage unit. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit reads out the image information stored in the storage unit so as to obtain the predetermined layout. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising reading means for sequentially reading images of a plurality of originals and sequentially outputting read image information. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a forming unit configured to form a visible image on a recording medium based on the image information read from the storage unit by the control unit. Image processing device. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a forming unit configured to form a visible image on both sides of a recording medium based on the image information read from the storage unit by the control unit. The described image processing device. 10. A stapling means for stapling a plurality of recording media on which a visible image has been formed by said forming means at a position based on a judgment result obtained by said judging means. Item 14. The image processing device according to item 9. 11. A determining step of determining a direction and a group direction of an image represented by input image information, and a storing step of storing a plurality of pieces of input image information in a storage unit based on a determination result obtained in the determining step. And a reading step of reading out a plurality of pieces of image information stored in the storage means collectively based on a determination result obtained in the determining step. 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a correction step of correcting each of the determination results of the series of input image information based on the determination results of the series of input image information obtained in the determination step. Image processing method described. 13. The storing step includes reducing an image size of each of the series of input image information based on a result of the determination of the series of input image information, and providing a layout based on the result of the determination of the series of input image information. 13. The image processing method according to claim 12, wherein the image information obtained by reducing the image size is stored in the storage unit. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein in the reading step, the image information stored in the storage unit is read such that a layout based on the determination result of the series of input image information is obtained. Image processing method. 15. A computer-readable memory storing a program code for image processing, wherein a code for a determination step for determining an orientation and a set direction of an image represented by input image information, and a determination obtained in the determination step A code of a storage step of storing a plurality of pieces of input image information in a storage unit based on a result, and a plurality of pieces of image information stored in the storage unit are collectively read based on a determination result obtained in the determination step. A computer readable memory having a code for a reading step. 16. The control unit reads out the image information stored in the storage unit so as to obtain a layout based on an image orientation and a set direction indicated by the series of input image information determination results. 7. The image processing device according to claim 6, wherein: 17. The reading step includes reading out image information stored in the storage means so that a layout based on an image orientation and a set direction indicated by the series of input image information determination results is obtained. 15. The image processing method according to claim 14, wherein: